Celebrating Small Business Week

By Krista Mason Photography

Small Business Month always gets me a little emotional, in the best way. It’s a moment to pause, reflect, and celebrate just how far we’ve come… especially us women wearing all the hats, juggling big dreams, and doing it all with our signature hustle and heart.

Running Krista Mason Photography hasn’t been a straight line, it’s been full of plot twists, baby steps, big wins, and real moments of “am I even doing this right?” If I could sit down with that younger version of me (the one who was hustling hard to be seen in a male-dominated industry without even realizing it), I’d share these five truths I’ve learned along the way.

1. Your Clients Are Everything. Seriously.

I know everyone says this, but really. Every single client who trusts you with their time, energy, and story is worth celebrating. I’ve learned that people remember how you make them feel far more than what package they booked or how perfect the lighting was. Being kind, showing up with intention, and creating a genuine connection? That’s what builds a brand with staying power.

📌 Read more: Grateful for Every Client

2. You’re Not Just a Business Owner – You’re a Trailblazer

When I started, the industry was male-driven and competitive in a way that didn’t always leave space for softness, for intuition, for connection – the things that make us women incredible business leaders. I didn’t realize it then, but just showing up and being visible was a bold move. Now, I look around and see so many women building powerful, purpose-driven businesses… and it lights me up. I’m so honored to help other women lead their industry, start their dream business with brand photography.

📌 Read more: Women in Business

3. You Don’t Need to Have It All Figured Out to Show Up

That whole “I’ll launch when I feel ready” thing? Nope. The truth is, you’re probably never going to feel 100% ready, and that’s okay. I used to think my website had to be flawless, my confidence rock solid, my portfolio overflowing before I could really call myself a pro. But you know what? Showing up imperfectly is how we grow. And people relate to real over perfect every single time. You know that phrase ‘feel the fear and do it anyway’? It’s real. I have found when I don’t have that feeling is when I become stagnant, unsatisfied and stuck. So find that fear, lean into it and do it anyway. My current uncomfortable ‘do it anyway’ is consistent workouts and emailing 2 new connections a week.

📌 Read more: National Women’s Business Week

4. Being Small is Actually Your Secret Weapon

There’s so much pressure to scale, expand, “go big.” But I’ve learned that being a small business, especially one built on relationships and personal touch, is a huge strength. I know my clients. I remember their stories. I build trust and loyalty because I care. That kind of connection doesn’t happen by accident, it’s built on being present and intentional.

📌 Read more: Small Business Month

5. Make Time to Reflect—Even When You’re in the Thick of It

Let me be honest: 2025 didn’t start quite the way I hoped. Between the weight of personal challenges and everything happening in our world, business goals felt far away. But I’ve realized that pausing to reflect, reset, and re-align with my why is just as important as that next launch or photoshoot. Clarity doesn’t come from constant motion, it comes from checking in with yourself. And 2025 has had a lot of check-ins and self-checks. I’m in a moment of pivoting and while that can be a good thing, I found I was pivoting too much, too fast and getting lost. So a self-check in was needed to realign and focus.

📌 Read more: Reflecting on the Start of 2025

Whether you’re just starting your journey or you’ve been doing this for years, I hope you know this: you’re not alone, and you’re doing better than you think. Take the time to celebrate the small wins, honor your growth, and remember….your dream is worth it.

And if you’re in the middle of figuring it all out? Same, friend. Let’s do it together.